Areta Adzroo Imtitaznabilla, a student from the Medicine program at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), has become the youngest graduate in the undergraduate and applied undergraduate graduation ceremony for the academic year 2023/2024 on Wednesday (May 22).
She graduated at 20 years, one month, and 13 days, while the average age of bachelor’s program graduates is 22 years, six months, and 15 days.
Earning a bachelor’s degree at 20 is a rare achievement. Areta, as she is fondly called, mentioned that she participated in an accelerated class program during her junior high and high school years, allowing her to graduate earlier than her peers.
“I joined an accelerated class,” Areta told reporters on Monday (May 27).
Not only did she graduate earlier at a younger age, but Areta also excelled academically, which enabled her to pursue her studies in the medical program.
Her interest in medicine was inspired by her beloved mother, a nurse at RSUD Sidoarjo. Her mother’s role as a healthcare worker motivated her to dream of becoming a doctor since childhood, and she decided to enroll in FK-KMK UGM.
In her early university years, Areta had to adapt to the competitive environment among her peers. Despite being diligent in her studies, she also made time to participate in organizational and committee activities on campus.
“I joined CIMSA (Center for Indonesian Medical Students Activities) in my first year. In my second year, I was involved in TBMM (Medical Student Assistance Team) and faculty-level student organizations,” she said.
Although busy with organizational activities, Areta ensured it did not interfere with her studies, which were filled with lectures, exams, and practicums.
“The key is consistency and taking responsibility for what you have chosen. I felt stressed when I first entered medical school because of the extensive materials, exams, and practicums. However, being tired doesn’t mean we should give up,” Areta added.
For her final assignment, Areta wrote a thesis titled “The Effect of Vitamin D on the Expression of p16 and SOD-1 mRNA in the Hippocampus of Diabetic Rat Models” under several advisors and examiners, including Professor Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari, Dr. Ratih Yuniartha, and Dr. Nur Arfian.
She acknowledged that working on her thesis was quite challenging. She deliberately chose an experimental topic, a research umbrella, in the Department of Anatomy at FK-KMK UGM. Self-motivation and adequate rest were crucial in completing her thesis, but the support from family and the surrounding environment was also significant.
“I feel very supported by the various facilities and learning support provided by FK-KMK UGM,” she said.
After completing her thesis defense approaching the final semester of her studies, Areta registered for the first graduation wave on January 31, 2024.
Areta admitted that it was not easy to graduate from her chosen program, considering the extensive materials and practicums required to become a medical graduate. However, thanks to her efforts and perseverance, she is proud to be the youngest graduate of this period.
“I am happy to have earned the title of youngest graduate,” she revealed.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson